Nestle USA Launches Search For Our Nation's Future Leaders

GLENDALE, Calif., Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle USA today announces its call for entries for the renowned Nestle Very Best In Youth award. Now in its 15^th year, the awards program recognizes young people who demonstrate outstanding leadership ability and individual initiative to positively impact the world. Following the Nov. 8 entry deadline, 18 young winners will be named the 2013 Nestle Very Best In Youth.

Across the nation youth are taking initiative to change the world around them through their volunteering spirit. These young people are role models, leaders, and change makers who are inspiring their communities and schools to make a difference. From leading research to cure life's most threatening diseases to raising $10 million for victims of Hurricane Katrina, Nestle Very Best In Youth award recipients are leaders in creating a better tomorrow.

"We look forward to identifying 18 inspiring individuals to join the Nestle Very Best In Youth family," said Ken Bentley, Nestle vice president of community affairs & educational programs and author of the Nestle Very Best In Youth book series.  "The 2013 honorees will join a prestigious group of alumni who have impacted their communities and continue to lead the way toward positive global change."

Along with being named a Nestle Very Best In Youth, each winner will receive:

• A $1,000 donation to the charity of his or her choice
• A trip with a parent or guardian to Los Angeles for a three-night, four-day adventure including a red-carpet gala and awards ceremony in July of 2013
• Recognition of their stories and achievements through individual features in the Nestle Very Best In Youth book, distributed to schools, libraries and community organizations nationwide and available for the first time in e-book format in the summer of 2013

Since 1997, Nestle USA has donated more than $1 million to organizations supported by Nestle Very Best In Youth students.

Applicants must be between 14 and 18 years of age, a legal US resident and have parental or legal guardian permission to submit the entry form. Contestants must also demonstrate good citizenship, a strong academic record, and show how they have made a meaningful contribution to their school or community.

To learn more or complete the online entry form, visit verybestinyouth.nestleusa.com. Entries must be received by Nov. 8, 2012.

About Nestle USA: Named one of "The World's Most Admired Food Companies" in Fortune magazine for fifteen consecutive years, Nestle provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with Lean Cuisine® to baking traditions with Nestle® Toll House®, Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that make good living possible. That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about. Nestle USA, with 2011 sales of $10 billion, is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world's largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2011 sales of $94 billion. For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.

Contacts:
Cristina Bastida
Executive Director
Nestle Very Best In Youth
818.549.6727
[email protected]

Marlee Dippolito
Edelman for Nestle
323.202.1038
[email protected]

SOURCE Nestle USA